Your TOP FIVE (5) Folders!!!

[Nix]

This is a tough topic.

There is a certain arbitrary subjectiveness to selecting a "Top Folder".

What may be right for you, may not be perfect for me. And what's perfect for me today, may not be prefect for me tomorrow.

Having allowed for those disclaimers, I'm going to challenge y'awl to come up with a list of your Top Five Folders.   

And here is a bit of hypocrisy: my awl time favorite folder isn't on my list (below). That's because it is a custom and not a commercially available knife. (And the CRK fills the same role perfectly well.)

When I made this list, I kept being tempted to find a spot for the Vic Outrider on my list. However, other knives bumped it off the list. Five times.

I still think the Outrider is a fantastic pocket knife, suitable for any Tom Sawyer adventure or attempt on Everest,....but....I'm a fan of the single blade folder at heart. So here is my 'Top Five Folders' list. Which folders make your list?

Top Five (5) Folders

1. Buck 110
2. CRK Sebenza
3. Spyderco PM2
4. Spyderco Military
5. Benchmade Griptilian

[Acuphys1]

1. Firstedge 1350, Elmax steel
2. Schrade sch305, 9cr18mov
3. Ruike P801-SF, 14c28n
4. TRS Enforcer, 7cr17mov
5. Hoffman Richter HR15, 440c
 
Those are the 5 favorites in my collection I rotate.  Good topic, and nice knives you have there!



Sent from my SM-T387V using Tapatalk

[Sos24]

1) ZT0450
2) Shirogorov NeOn Lite
3) Kizer Gemini LH
4) Ferrum Forge Mini ArchBishop
5) Shirogorov Hati R

My caveat for this list is that I only considered single blade folders.  I did not include any of my SAKs, because I consider them their own class or more with Multitools than folders.  If I were to include SAKs, excluding Mods like you did the custom, then the Yeoman would definitely make this list.  I also did not include any Traditionals for the same reason of considering them their own category.  Even if I didn’t exclude them, I’m not sure any would have bumped another knife off the list unless for sentimental reasons.

The ZT0450 gets the nod above the NeOn on this list only because the clip is reversible making it able to be carried left or right.  If the NeOn had a reversible clip, it would have definitely been top.  I struggled with whether the ZT0560TI should be 5 over the Hati for the same reason, but I just love everything else about the Hati more.

The Ferrum Forge makes the list only because of its blade length being under 3 inches.  With blade length being limited by law in some places I go, I felt I had to include one.

[Nix]

 

[David]

I'm going to have to stew on this a bit. The first four are easy. I'll have to ponder on number five.          

[dks]

GEC Bullnose
Buck toothpick
SRM 763
CRKT M16
Pallares friction folder

[Nix]

 

[ElevenBlade]

Oh fun!  I'm not much for folders any more, and I've misplaced some of my favorites.  Being that I don't seek them out, my list is boring.

In no particular order, because my favorites and my users are all topsy turvy because I misplaced some (temporarily or for good)...

- Buck TacLite: excellent blade shape, fast opening and lightweight. I had a wooden handle which looked really nice.  But short knives and pocket clips are a perfect pair to get the knife to work it's way out of the pocket and into the abyss.

- Camillus R-17: a put together knife from Camillus made with parts in their factory before they went out of business.  At the size of a folding hunter (#3?) but with an unusual drop point blade that doesn't start to taper until the end, this folder is as sturdy as it gets, stem to stern.  This is my go-to for preparing wood for a campfire.

- Cold Steel Voyager Tanto part serrated: another knife with a sturdy spine, tears through anything without hesitation, and the lockup allows me to push it to the limit.

- Leatherman Skeletool KB/X: my newest addition(s).  I don't normally use folding knives, but if I did, this would be it.

- Benchmade Crooked River mini: I don't actually have one, and can't justify the pricetag for a shelf queen.  But I like this folder.


As you can see, three of my five have part serrated edges. When I was interested in folders, I liked the combo edged options.  Times change, but these knives did the job i asked of them.  For the right application, combo edges aren't half bad (see what I did there?).  Reminiscing on my past carries while posting the Combo Edge Cooperative thread on this forum motivated me to share my top 4 or 5 (depending on how you count them) with you wonderful people.

[Etherealicer]

First off, honorable mentions
Viper Dan 2 - Best slippy I have and exceptional fit and finish
Fox Radius - Cool mechanism, gorgeous scales and excellent fit and finish (as only Italian knives deliver)
Spyderco Smock - That flipper is so awesome

TOP 5
5 - CRK Insingo small tanto - No denying the quality, but that clip is crap
4 - Mini Griptillian with CF scales
3 - Bugout - currently without thumbstud as I ruined it
2 - Benchmade Anthem - Slightly larger than I like but with that integral frame it is simply an amazing knife - Finally found the courage today to take it apart to anodize it
1 - Giant Mouse Ace Biblio - Made in Italy, Designed by Vox and Anso

[Nix]

 

[Sos24]

First off, honorable mentions
Viper Dan 2 - Best slippy I have and exceptional fit and finish
Fox Radius - Cool mechanism, gorgeous scales and excellent fit and finish (as only Italian knives deliver)
Spyderco Smock - That flipper is so awesome

TOP 5
5 - CRK Insingo small tanto - No denying the quality, but that clip is crap
4 - Mini Griptillian with CF scales
3 - Bugout - currently without thumbstud as I ruined it
2 - Benchmade Anthem - Slightly larger than I like but with that integral frame it is simply an amazing knife - Finally found the courage today to take it apart to anodize it
1 - Giant Mouse Ace Biblio - Made in Italy, Designed by Vox and Anso

I have a Giant Mouse Ace Biblio in Titanium blue.  It is a beast of a knife for under 3in.  It reminds me a lot of the old ZT0900, but I like it better.

[Etherealicer]

I have a Giant Mouse Ace Biblio in Titanium blue.  It is a beast of a knife for under 3in.  It reminds me a lot of the old ZT0900, but I like it better.

I want one of those...
I'm curious how it compares to the fully contoured CF one.

[David]

After much  the five at the moment are:

1. Buck 110
2. Spyderco Military
3. Case 6347 Stockman
4. Case 62009 1/2 Barlow
5. Queen #10 Heavy Duty Jack knife.

[Nix]

Buck 110, Benchmade Griptilian, Spyderco PM2, CRK Sebenza, Spyderco Military

[Nix]

Solid choices, David.   

[Sos24]

I want one of those...
I'm curious how it compares to the fully contoured CF one.

One of the biggest differences, I would think, would be in pocket feel.  Considering the width and thickness of the blade, the knife is rather thin and light.

[Aloha]

Fun topic.  Nice knives everyone.
I'm not sure mine are in order  .  I'm just listing them.  Pics a bit later.     

1. Manager.  I've carried this constantly longer than any knife I own. 
2. Case Psalm 23 Large Trapper.  Its new to me but I bought it for a specific reason and I've carried it and will carry it till it falls apart or I do. 
3. Case Mini Trapper.  Bought it used but boy it was a connection immediately. 
4. Spyderco Dragonfly 2 ( thanks Nix ).  Its one knife that I will carry and keep till my days end. 
5. Benchmade Mini Grip in 440C.  Got it used and well used at that.  Its a wonderfully simple knife that is fun to flick open and its a joy to use. 

I have to do an honorable mention. 
Spyderco Delica with wave feature.  Such a great knife.  VG10 works well with this knife. 
Schatt and Morgan small scout.  Its a nice compact size and I got it from a very nice member. 
Camillus #64.  A great size and nice assortment on board.   

[Ray S]

Although I don't carry a large folder at the moment and haven't since I retired about 25 years ago I used to carry one. My criteria for a large folder was it had to be strong enough to reduce heavy duty cardboard containers to scrappable size and light enough not to tire me out too quickly.It also had to fit comfortably in my pocket as I had trouble with my hips carrying one in a belt pouch.
Here are five(these were very hard to whittle down from the list)that I used over the years.In no particular order:
Buck 186 Titan with the pocket clip and disassembly tool removed.Virtually half the weight of a 110.
Khyber model 2603:Very strong & light with Micarta slabs and reinforcing washers it performed very well.
Al Mar (forget the model#)Nice and light but a tad small in the handle.
Bench Made designed by Tak Fukuta made by Frost.Super strong and surprisingly light considering the metal handles.
Brass handled knife by Humason & Beckley.Strong but a tad on the heavy side.Handles grip nicely even though they are smooth.
I will also post five that are more modern and haven't seen as much carry. BTW my all time favorite carry knife was a Leatherman e303 but that is a multiblade  and I tried to conform with the single blade factor.

[Ray S]

And here are my five modern choices:
CRKT Frank Centofante tribute knife.Micarta handles with reinforcing rivets and very thin.
Gigand designed by Dr. Fred Carter.Thin;light;heavy duty;can be disassembled.
Jacques Mongin yachtsman's knife.The marlin spike really isn't a blade.
A Leatherman c33T;the single blade version of the e303.The thing I don't like about this one is the squared edges on the handles.The e303 had rounded ones that are very comfortable.A little grinding would fix that.
Last one is an old Keen Kutter granddaddy barlow that someone ground down unmercifully.Still works nice though and I like to carry it occasionally.

[Ray S]

Here are the other two knives and the Leatherman e303

[chrono]

Too many to pick top 5, just 5 pop out of my head:
- SOG Tomcat 3.0 with san-mai blade and CF handle (not the standard kraton model, for aesthetic reason)
- Zero Tolerance ZT0560BW
- Benchmade 630 full size Skirmish
- Spyderco Native 1
- Guardian Tactical Conix
Pictures below are not mine. Just to show what they look like.

[eTripper]

I'll just say, that these 'five' are my current favs:

[comis]

As a knife enthusiast, I absolutely love this topic and am eager to see what's everyone's favorite.  I am usually a pretty decisive person, it never take me more than 1 min even if the menu is 30 pages long.  But I really have a hard time agonizing my choices, it is like picking your favorite son or parent.  So here my 'top 5' with few alternative for the week....


From Top left to bottom right:

1) A nameless knife given by Grandpa when I was in Scouts.  This puppy is modeled after a Jer Aer knife, and the meaning behind the knife far outweigh the nominal value of it.  If there is a fire in the house, and I could only manage to save one knife, I will forgone thousands dollars worth of them without blink of an eye, and just grab this one and go.

2) CRK Inkosi Insingo--I think this is a great iteration of CRK knives, love the wharncliff blade and dual thumbstud.

3) ZT562Ti--I know Sos24 talked about this being the fifth knife, and I could totally see it.  Great flipping action, even compared to Hinderer Xm18s, I still would think this is a better 'Hinderer' than Hinderer itself.


4) Marfione/Strider Custom MSG-3  I think this probably is a mid-tech more than a real 'custom', knowing how expensive are Marfione/Strider knives go.  Love the multi-grind, well executed integral body, functional choil(I absolutely hate choil that cannot fit my index, and way too big for a sharpening choil), and decent balance.  I knew I was hooked as soon as I picked this baby up when I was visiting PVK in LV.


5) Liong Mah Warrior One V2--another great flipper, what I love most about this knife is the beautiful lines all perfectly lined up from handle all way up the mild trailing point, very functional and aesthetically pleasing at the same time.


6) Buck 112 Love this knife, great American classic and more pocket friendly than 110.

7) Civivi Rusty Gent.  Beutiful modern take of lockback traditional, perfect execution and great workmanship.


8 ) BM940 (Cabela's edition) This needs no introduction, another all time modern folder classic.

9) Benchmade Anthem.  BM take on integral knife, though it is expensive with the BM 'tax', still a pretty unique offering and the sound it closes is addictive.


10) BM552 RSK   I once was foolish enough to baton this knife for 1/2-1 hour, just to see how durable this knife can be.  In the end, all I have to do is sharpen it for 15min and re-tighten the pivot, and the knife is good to go again.  Great reliable knife.


All the knives mentioned above have perfect or close to perfect balance in hand, all except the Buck could be balanced off my index finger.

[Sos24]

1) ZT0450
2) Shirogorov NeOn Lite
3) Kizer Gemini LH
4) Ferrum Forge Mini ArchBishop
5) Shirogorov Hati R

With all the other pictures, I thought I’d post mine.  I also add the ZT0560Ti to the group as honorable mention.

[Nix]

If I had to guess, I'd say you like a flipper design...... 

[Sos24]

If I had to guess, I'd say you like a flipper design...... 

How do you figure?

[Barry Rowland]

This is tough!! 
1. Spyderco PM2
2. Spyderco Endura
3. Spyderco Autonomy
4. Benchmade Rift
5. Any Opinel!

This being just folders.  Multitools are another spiderhole  entirely

[Etherealicer]

Competition got a lot harder in the top 3... Anthem is now blue-grey anodized and Bugout got a new dress 

[Nix]

 

[nate j]

With the caveats that

• This list includes folding knives only; no SAKS or MTs.  This is a bit funny for me since a SAK is normally the backbone of my knife/tool carry, but as this is the Edged Tools sub-forum, I felt this was an appropriate approach.
• These are the knives that I probably have been using and carrying the most recently  The list may change tomorrow, and is also not necessarily the five folders I would keep if I had to get rid of all the others.

With all that said, here's my list:

• Buck 110 Slim Pro (black G10) - With a 3.75" Bos heat-treated OHO S30V blade, this knife is a serious cutting tool.  The slim width, light weight, and pocket clip combine to allow this knife to carry like a much smaller one. The G10 handles provide a good grip, and insure a durable package.
• Case Moose (black synthetic) - I do like this this pattern from Case, though I would have preferred rounded bolsters.  This has been my primary desk knife since I've been working a significant amount of time from home, so its seen a fair bit of use opening snacks, cleaning fingernails, etc. over the last five months or so.
• Myerchin Gen2 Captain (black G10) - I primarily got this for the marlin spike, which has come in handy for rope and paracord work on camping trips.  They went way too cheap on the lanyard attachment, but otherwise seems like OK quality.  Using the flipper in conjunction with a slight flick of the wrist, the blade flies open and locks with a satisfying clack, so it's a great fidget knife.  The modified sheepsfoot blade shape is consistent with the knife's stated purpose as a rigging knife, but I would much prefer a spear point or clip point for general use.  Overall, I like this knife enough that I might even have to try one of the titanium-handled versions.
• Benchmade Crooked River (gray G10) - Features high quality materials, good ergonomics, smooth action, a useful clip point blade shape, and Benchmade's well-regarded AXIS lock; the only thing not to like about this one is the price.
• Spyderco Police (SS) - Due to its slim, flat shape, this knife carries really well in spite of its size.  The all-SS construction feels solid in hand.  This knife was one of my early forays into large high-quality folders.  It has been carried quite a bit, as the handles show.